Around a year ago we first saw diffident members of the public turn to hiding. A situation resulting in half filled music venues, their temporary closure, and a myriad of unpredictable livestreams. Three lockdowns later, 500 of these music venues are now at serious risk of having a lasting closure. Due to an ever-going pandemic and nonchalant (frankly inept) government, there’s a particularly worrying amount of room for burgeoning artists and venue workers in post covid days.
To help fight this battle, musician couple Rosie Alena (singer songwriter) and Morgan Simpson (drummer of Black Midi) have paired up to record a Valentines lockdown cover of The Carpenters ‘We’ve Only Just Begun‘. Distributed through their Bandcamp page, with all financial proceeds going to the Music Venue Trust, the track is available for purchase and stream below.
The number itself is as low key and cutesy as the original. Hereby Simpson lays off the kit, instead focusing on hushed backing vocals. Bandmate Geordie Greep also steps in, providing additional guitar, accordion and lap steel work, adding a newfound country tinge. Alena’s vocals are heartening, doing Karen Carpenter justice in her berceuse delivery. One signalling a real future for the young songstress.
Give a listen (and donate if you can) to the track below:
https://rosiealenamorgansimpson.bandcamp.com/track/weve-only-just-begun
